This is one of my favorite stories to tell about Koda.  I've had German Shepherds all my life.  When my beloved Wanda died, I was of course devasted.  I wasn't sure if I could face owning, loving and losing another dog.  But I eventually started looking on Petfinder.com for another Shepherd to adopt.  There was something about Koda's pictures that made me decide she was going to be my next dog. 

My boss had been asking when I was going to adopt another dog so I showed him Koda's pictures and told him that I was going to adopt her after my next paycheck.  Stanley, in his way, said "What!  You're waiting.  She might not be available next week."  He then pulled out his wallet and asked how much her adoption fee was.  He gave me the cash on the condition that I would get her right then and there.  I asked what if the people fostering Koda weren't available?  I remember Stanley saying "You're a salesman.  You'll convince them."

I think I shocked the foster mom when I called and said I was driving to Naples (a 2 hour drive) that night to get Koda.  I wrote down the directions and off I went.  Of course I forgot the directions and the telephone number.   So I'm driving down I-75 trying to remember how to get there.  I somehow made it without getting too lost. 

I met Koda, paid the adoption fee (shocked the foster mom again when I laid down cash), loaded her up in my SUV and back to Venice I drove. 

I thought it was the coolest thing for my boss to do.  Just one of those stories you never forget.